1. CHAPTER 1 MR. COOPER Broomfield high school
Discovering Psychology

2. DEFINITION OF PSYCHOLOGY
Why did James Holmes commit this terrible crime??
What do psychologists study?
Psychology
the systematic, scientific study of behaviors and mental processes
Behaviors
observable actions or responses in both humans and animals
Mental processes
not directly observable; refer to a wide range of complex mental processes, such as thinking, imagining, studying, and dreaming

3. GOALS OF PSYCHOLOGY
1) Describe
Describe the different ways that organisms behave
2) Explain
Explain the cause of behavior
3) Predict
Predict how organisms will behave in certain situations
4) Control
Control an organism’s behavior

4. Modern approaches How do psychologists answer questions?
Approaches to understanding behavior include
biological
cognitive
behavioral
psychoanalytic
humanistic
cross-cultural
Evolutionary
Biopsychosocioal

5. Modern approaches Biological approach
Focuses on how our genes, hormones, and nervous system interact with our environments to influence learning, personality, memory, motivation, emotions, and coping techniques
Example: autism
Autism runs in families; supported by the findings in identical twins
If one twin has autism, there is a high (90%) chance the other twin will exhibit signs of autistic behavior

6. Cognitive approach
Examines how we process, store, and use information and how this information influences what we attend to, perceive, learn, remember, believe, and feel
Mental Process-Why did you think like that?????? What was going through your head????
Modern approaches

7. Modern approaches Behavioral/ Learning approach
Studies how organisms learn new behaviors or modify existing ones, depending on whether events in their environments reward or punish these behaviors
Some behaviorists, such as Albert Bandura, disagree with strict behaviorism
Formulated a theory that includes mental or cognitive processes in addition to observable behaviors

8. Modern approaches Psychoanalytic approach
Based on the belief that childhood experiences greatly influence the development of later personality traits and psychological problems
Stresses the influence of unconscious fears, desires, and motivations on thoughts, behaviors, and the development of personality traits and psychological problems later in life

9. Modern approaches Humanistic approach
Emphasizes that each individual has great freedom in directing his or her future, a large capacity for personal growth, a considerable amount of intrinsic worth, and enormous potential for self- fulfillment
Because of its fee-will concept of human nature and lack of experimental methods, many behaviorists regard the humanistic approach as more of a philosophy of life than a science of human behavior

10. Modern approaches Cross-cultural approach
Studies the influence of cultural/ethnic similarities and differences on psychological and social functioning
Differences in how countries diagnose autism: US
symptoms described 60 years ago
first thought to be caused by environmental factors (cold parents)
researchers believe the probable causes of autism include environmental and genetic factors
between 1 and 1.5 million Americans with autism
diagnosis begins at two-to-three years of age
What does this mean???

11. Modern approaches Cross-cultural approach (cont’d)
Differences in how countries diagnose autism: South Korea
number of people with autism is unknown
once a terrible stigma; children with autism often kept home (hidden) from public
doctors in South Korea usually diagnose (what would be considered autism in US) as reactive attachment disorder, or “lack of love”
less stigmatizing now
parents believe they can provide more love
result is that children don’t receive the treatment they need
in past few years, perceptions have changed: some children with autism going to school and out in public

12. Modern approaches Evolutionary approach
Studies how evolutionary ideas, such as adaptation and natural selection, explain human behaviors and mental processes
through genetics and inheritance.
Darwin Anyone???

13. Biopsychosocioal
Combination of Biology, social factors, and psychology= combine to explain behavior
This can not only be used to for psychology but also for health matters
Heart Disease- Having heart disease is not just biological
MANY FACTORS EFFECT OUR BEHAVIOR….

14. Modern approaches

16. Complete the chart below
Perspective
SUBJECT MATTER (what it deals with)
KEY ASSUMPTION
INFLUENCED BY
Biological
Nervous System, glands, hormones, genes
Biological process influence behavior and mental process
Neuroscience
Evolutionary
Physical Traits, social behavior, Genetics
adaptation and natural selection, explain human behaviors and mental processes
Charles Darwin and evolution
Cognitive
Interpretations of mental images, thinking, language
Perceptions and thoughts influence behavior
Structuralism, functionalism, and Gestalt psychology
Humanistic
Self Concept, Goals
People make free and conscious choices based on their unique experience
Introspection and belief in free will
Psychoanalytic
Unconscious processes, early childhood experiences
Unconscious motives influence behavior
Sigmund Freud
Behavioral/Learning
Environmental Influences
Personal Experiences with rewards and punishment guide or behavior
John Watson and behaviorism
Cross-Culture
Ethnicity, gender, culture, religion, social-economic class
cultural/ethnic similarities and differences on psychological and social functioning
Society and your environment
Biopsycholsocioal
All the approaches
Mental process are influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors
Mental Health and Social Psychology

17. --Questions about psychology
--Read pg. 2-15

18. HISTORICAL APPROACHES
How did psychology begin?
Structuralism: elements of the mind
Functionalism: functions of the mind
Gestalt approach: sensations versus perceptions
Behaviorism: observable behaviors

19. HISTORICAL APPROACHES (CONT’D)
Structuralism
Wilhelm Wundt ( )
Studied the most basic elements, primarily sensations and perceptions, that make up our conscious mental experiences
Introspection
method of exploring conscious mental processes by asking subjects to look inward and report their sensations
Combine all sensations into conscious experience…like a puzzle

20. HISTORICAL APPROACHES (CONT’D)
Wilhelm Wundt ( )

21. HISTORICAL APPROACHES (CONT’D)
Functionalism
William James ( )
Studied the function rather than the structure of consciousness; was interested in how our minds adapt to our changing environment
Functionalism also emphasized individual differences

22. HISTORICAL APPROACHES (CONT’D)
William James ( )

23. HISTORICAL APPROACHES (CONT’D)
Gestalt approach
Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Kohler, and Kurt Koffka
Emphasized that perception is more than the sum of its parts and studied how sensations are assembled into meaningful perceptual experiences

24. HISTORICAL APPROACHES (CONT’D)
Behaviorism
Emphasized the objective, scientific analysis of observable behaviors
John Watson; 1913, “Psychology as a Behaviorist Views It”
Psychology should be considered an objective, experimental science
Goal: the analysis of observable behaviors and the prediction and control of those behaviors
DOMINANT APPROACH FROM 1920’S- 1960’S

25. HISTORICAL APPROACHES (CONT’D)
Behaviorism
1920s to 1960s; behaviorism was the dominant force in American psychology
Due to work of B.F. Skinner and other behaviorists
Expanded Watson’s ideas in modern-day behavioral approach
1970s to present; behaviorism challenged by cognitive approach (now surpasses behaviorism)

26. CULTURAL DIVERSITY: EARLY DISCRIMINATION
Women in psychology
Mary Calkins
Established a laboratory in psychology at Wellesley College in 1891 where she was a faculty member
Completed all requirements for a PhD at Harvard but wasn’t granted the degree because of her sex
Not until 1908 was a woman, Margaret Washburn, awarded a PhD in psychology
CULTURAL DIVERSITY: EARLY DISCRIMINATION

27. CULTURAL DIVERSITY: EARLY DISCRIMINATION (CONT’D)
Minorities in psychology
Inez Prosser was the first African American woman to receive a PhD in psychology (from the University of Cincinnati in 1933)
Taught in black colleges and helped minority students obtain financial aid to attend college
From 1920 to 1966, only 8 PhDs in psychology were awarded to black students, compared to 3,767 to white students

29. CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY (CONT’D)
Many career settings
49% of psychologists work as clinical or counseling psychologists in private practice or therapy settings
28% work in college/university settings
13% work in a variety of other kinds of jobs and career settings
6% work in industrial settings
4% work in secondary schools and other settings

30. CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY (CONT’D)
Psychologist versus psychiatrist
Neither clinical nor counseling psychologists assess the neurological causes of mental problems
Until recently, no psychologists in the US have been able to prescribe drugs
Now, psychologists in New Mexico and Louisiana (who have completed special medical training) can prescribe drugs like psychiatrists

31. CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY (CONT’D)
Psychologist versus psychiatrist
Counseling psychologists provide many of the same services as clinical psychologists, but usually work with different problems, such as those involving marriage, family, or career counseling
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who have spent several years in clinical training, which includes diagnosing possible physical and neurological causes of abnormal behaviors and treating these behaviors, often with prescription drugs

32. Critical Thinking
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

33. CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY (CONT’D)

34. RESEARCH AREAS Areas of specialization
Clinical and counseling psychology
Social
Developmental
Experimental
Biological
Cognitive
Psychometrics
Industrial/organizational

35. RESEARCH AREAS (CONT’D)

36. RESEARCH AREAS (CONT’D)
Clinical and counseling psychology 49%
includes the assessment and treatment of people
psychological problems, such as grief, anxiety, or stress
Social-Cultural psychology
involves the study of social interactions, stereotypes, prejudices, attitudes, conformity, group behaviors, and aggression
Interaction between developing people and the culture in which they live (Sociologist)

37. RESEARCH AREAS (CONT’D)
Developmental psychology
study of changes that occur in human beings over the course of their life
Main focus = Cognitive Development and problems solving skills but has since expnaded
Now encompasses all age groups and issues each deals with

38. RESEARCH AREAS (CONT’D)

39. RESEARCH AREAS (CONT’D)
Areas of specialization
Biological psychology
also called psychobiology
involves research on the physical and chemical changes that occur during stress, learning, and emotions, as well as how our genetic makeup, brain, and nervous system interact with our environment and influence our behavior
Personality Psychology
studies personality and its individual differences. Its areas of focus include:
Construction of a coherent picture of the individual and his or her major psychological processes
Investigation of individual differences
Investigation of human nature and human's similarities

40. RESEARCH AREAS (CONT’D)
Areas of specialization
Cognitive psychology
involves how we process, store, and retrieve information and how cognitive processes influence our behaviors.
Major areas of interest in cognitive psychology include language, attention, memory, decision-making and problem- solving.
Cognitive psychology has many practical applications.
For example, cognitive principles are often used in the creation of educational curriculum and software design.

41. RESEARCH AREAS (CONT’D)
Sports Psychologist
Involves the study of how psychological factors affect performance and how participation in sport and exercise affect psychological and physical factors
Professional Teams will hire these individuals
Industrial/organizational psychology
Examines the relationship of people and their work environments
What do they do…..
Try to improving the performance, satisfaction, safety, health and well-being of its employees.
Deal with hiring practices, training programs, feedback, and management systems

42. Forensic Psychology
Understanding criminal law in the relevant jurisdictions in order to be able to interact appropriately with judges, attorneys and other legal professionals.
An important aspect of forensic psychology is the ability to testify in court
providing information to legal personnel in a way that can be understood.

43. Upcoming job trends for psychologist
So you've decided to major in psychology, but what exactly do you plan to do after you graduate? Due to the economic downturn, competition for many jobs has increased dramatically. In order to compete in today's market, it pays to carefully consider your career options and select a field that is in high demand.
While salaries can vary, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a faster than average growth for psychologists. The following are just a few of the psychology-related professions that have a strong projected job outlook. Consider some of these options as you plan your career path.

44. Career or Vocational Counselor
Average Salary: $46,000
Due to the rapidly changing job market, many people are searching for a new job in their chosen field or even changing careers. Career counselors help individuals make career decisions and utilize tools including personality assessments, interest inventories and other evaluation measures. They often start by looking at a client's interests, job history, education, skills and personality characteristics in order to determine which careers are a good match. They also help clients work on building skills, practicing interviews, improving resumes and locating job openings. Assisting clients who are dealing with job loss or employment-related stress is also common.

45. 2. School Psychologist Average salary: $59,440
School psychologists work in educational settings to help children deal with emotional, academic and social problems. Thanks to increased interest in the mental health of children and federal education legislation, school psychology has rapidly become one of the fastest growing fields. The demand for qualified school psychologists exceeds the number of candidates available, which means that job opportunities are plentiful.

46. 3. Counselor Counseling Average Salary: $47,530
Counselors help a people with a wide variety of problems, including marriage, family, emotional, educational and substance abuse issues. Nearly half of all counselors work in health care or social welfare settings, while another 11-percent work for state and local governments. While requirements vary, almost all states require at least a master's degree in order to become a licensed counselor. Typical work settings include K-12 schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, mental health clinics and private practice offices.

47. 4. Genetics Counselor Average salary: $71,100
Genetics counselors help provide information about genetic disorders to couples and families. These professionals typically have graduate training in both genetics and counseling, and many have undergraduate degrees in areas such as psychology, social work, biology, nursing and public health. Genetics counselors often work with a team of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses and geneticists to offer support, guidance and assistance to families who have a family member with a genetic disorder or who may be at risk of passing down an inherited disorder to their offspring.

48. 5. Forensic Psychologist
Average Salary: $59,440
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to the fields of criminal investigation and law. This has rapidly become one of the hottest psychology career trends thanks to numerous portrayals in popular movies, television programs and books. While the field may not be as glamorous as it is depicted in the media, forensic psychology is still an exciting career choice with a lot of potential for growth. Forensic psychologists often work with other experts to resolve child custody disputes, scrutinize insurance claims, perform child custody evaluations and investigate suspected child abuse.